JACKSON — The University of Mississippi Medical Center has extended its contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi through August 28 as officials from both entities work toward a new agreement to provide fair reimbursement for medical services.

Regardless of whether the contract terminates, UMMC said it would continue to provide health care services to all patients, including those insured by Blue Cross.

Should the contract terminate, Blue Cross insured patients will be out of network at UMMC and may face higher out-of-pocket costs and other coverage issues. UMMC, however, said it is committed to minimizing the impacts on patients, both financially and on coverage areas, for as long as it takes to negotiate a new contract.

“We apologize in advance for any inconvenience or hardship this may create for our Blue Cross insured patients. We want everyone to understand that we consider this a very serious matter or we would not have undertaken this course of action,” said Dr. James Keeton, UMMC vice chancellor for health affairs.

The contract termination would not affect state and School Employees Health Insurance Plan participants and their covered dependents, as that plan is only administered by Blue Cross. Rather, it involves employee groups and individuals who are direct customers of Blue Cross in the commercial insurance market.

Citing reimbursement substantially below its peer institutions in neighboring states and midstream changes unilaterally made by Blue Cross that affect UMMC’s reimbursement, UMMC administrators in February engaged Blue Cross in negotiations.

UMMC initially set a June 28 deadline to terminate the contract, extended it to July 17, and this week extended it through August 28. This will allow Blue Cross time to notify its beneficiaries, which includes UMMC’s patients.

Keeton said UMMC is justified in asking for fair reimbursement from insurers that is consistent with its unique role as Mississippi’s academic medical center.